Atticus Finch, Harper Lee’s protagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird, became the paragon of morality in a culture of revolution. When the book first appeared, America was in the throes of social upheaval, the civil rights movement was gaining traction, and Lee’s character, Finch, was a symbol of moral valor. His ethical code stimulated many young readers, who identified with him and wanted to emulate him. As with any moral character in literature, he faced a daunting dilemma—his was to defend an innocent black man, accused of assaulting a white woman in 1950s Alabama. It was a hopeless task, but to Finch it was the right thing to do. His moral character indicted most of his peers in Maycomb, Alabama and brought persecution on him and his family.
Persecuted for Virtue
In his concluding beatitude, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:10). Finch exemplifies Jesus’ concept of being persecuted for his virtue. Jesus did not say, “Bless are those who are persecuted,” but he specified those “persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”
Persecution comes in many forms, but does not always result in the bliss mentioned in the Beatitudes. Sometimes the persecution is justified. The bully who faces a mob standing up to him is persecuted, but it is because of his abrasive behavior, not righteousness. The politician voted out of office may feel persecuted, but it was his lack of representation that rallied voters against him.
The World Cannot Abide Righteousness
As we exemplify the Kingdom Living outlined by Jesus at the outset of his Sermon, persecution will be a natural result because the world cannot abide it. Jesus warned his disciples, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19). When righteousness shines in dark places, those who love the darkness try to repel the light because it exposes their wicked deeds (John 3:19-20). When Christians live the Kingdom Life of the beatitudes, it creates conflict with the world.
Consider how spiritual poverty, lament for sin, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity, and peacemaking are intolerable to people of the world. The world embraces pride and self-promotion and cannot abide someone who is poor in spirit. It strives toward carnal power and strength and does not understand meekness. Conflict and war plunge the world into darkness, and ignore the peacemaker. Lust consumes the world that is unaccustomed to righteousness and purity. Every part of Christian happiness is antithetical to the world controlled by the “rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers over this present darkness” (Eph 6:12).
Kingdom Life
As Christians embrace the virtues of the beatitudes, they ought to brace for persecution. Paul understood this and warned young Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). While we do not seek persecution, an absence of persecution should serve as a warning.
Associated with persecution is the promise, “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” It is a return to the promise of the first beatitude and serves as an inclusio, a similar phrase marking the beginning and ending of a particular section. Here, the kingdom is the common touchstone and indicates the character outlined in the beatitudes is the character to be lived in Jesus’ Kingdom, the church. Thus, while the kingdoms of the earth may reject righteousness, it is the only lifestyle accepted in the Eternal Kingdom.
Preaching Minister